If you are planning to get a fuel-powered Mercedes auto by 2030, prepare to be disappointed: the German automaker has announced plans to be an exclusively electric marque by the end of the decade, according to a new strategy report shared on the 22nd of July, 2021. To make that happen, the brand will spend more than $47 billion (€40 billion) over the next 10 years, creating a wholly emissions-free line-up and clean, green infrastructure to support it.
In 2025, Mercedes will launch three new, all-electric vehicle platforms for cars, vans and light commercial vehicles. It will also stop developing powertrains for internal combustion engines the same year. In addition, the marque says customers will be able to choose an all-electric alternative for every model the company makes from 2025 onwards.
The German outfit and its partners also plan to set up eight factories across Europe that will focus on the development and production of battery cells and electric motors. This is in addition to the already planned network of nine plants that will be dedicated to building battery systems.
Mercedes is currently working with Shell to expand its charging network that currently comprises more than 530,000 AC and DC charging points worldwide. It also plans to streamline the chargers to make them easier for drivers to use.
“The EV shift is picking up speed—especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs,” Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, said in a statement. “The tipping point is getting closer, and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade.”
Mercedes did add one caveat: The transition to a solely electric fleet by 2030 will depend on “market conditions.” Of course, given that the UK and the European Union will effectively ban new cars with internal combustion engines in 2030 and 2035, respectively, the demand for battery-powered cars is only expected to rise.
Source: Robb Report